Uncrowded Beaches Perfect for Family Vacation

Everyone loves a good summer beach vacation — it’s practically a hallmark of familial Americana, right? Mom and dad lounging on sandy towels with a picnic basket, kids splashing in the waves, reading paperback books with little sand particles stuck in the creases, endless beach toys, bottles of sunscreen and the regrettable toil of dragging your entire setup from the car to “just the right spot” and back again at the end of the day.

If you live or visit certain spots, though, those beaches can become more and more crowded, annoying and bothersome, filled with rowdy teenagers, even more obnoxious parents, all packed together on sand that’s suddenly littered with discarded wrappers and soda cans. And don’t even think about getting in the water. It’s shoulder-to-shoulder chaos, everyone squirming and fighting to get a slice of the pie that’s both clean and comfortably isolated from the rest of the crowd.

Not exactly the beach vacations you remember from your childhood, huh?

Thankfully, there are still a few spots around the country where you can escape for a beach day that’s actually relaxing, where the crowds are thin at most and the shores picturesque.

1. Padre Island When you’re considering beach destinations, you probably turn the few most popular options over in your head — Southern California, Florida, maybe the shores of the Northeast. But what about Texas? This Gulf-facing state offers Padre Island National Seashore, among other options, with 70 miles of beach far removed from the crowds, for a relaxing time paired with a healthy dose of Texan hospitality.

2. Camp Helen State Park So Florida does have quite a few crowded beaches which obviously come with all the problems those crowds attract, but it has a handful of hidden gems, too. Near Panama City, Camp Helen State Park on the panhandle offers pristine white beaches that are secluded and serene. In addition to the ocean, you’ll also find a large coastal lake, Lake Powell.

3. Tybee Island A favorite for Savannah residents, Tybee Island provides beautiful beaches, perfect for families, amid the parks and playgrounds. Plus, beyond just the shore, parents and kids will find plenty to do off the water as well, when they take advantage of the great festivals, cultural scene and restaurants available on the island.

4. Kennebunk If Maine is calling, Kennebunk has a sophisticated heritage, catering to luxury travelers of the East Coast and it will certainly welcome you and yours. The beaches are beautiful, and the beach town offers loads of great shopping and events. Keep your eyes peeled for the celebs that frequent this beach when looking for a secluded escape.

5.Silver Strand State Beach

Just a short drive from San Diego, Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado, Calif., is a fun choice for families with active kids who want to be on the go, hopping from attraction to attraction, not just lying on the beach the entire day. Thankfully, there are plenty of interesting spots nearby, from acclaimed MooTime Creamery to the various shops and even a theater. If you have a budding naturalist on your hands, head here on a Saturday, when kids 7-12 can earn a junior ranger badge at the beach’s nature preserve.

6. Kohala Coast Maybe you really want to get away from it all, with a beach trip to Hawai’i. Obviously there are endless beaches, but if you’re looking for a family-friendly and less-crowded stop on the Big Island, try Hapuna Beach State Park Recreation Area. The water, sand and fellow beachgoers are great, and the further north you go, the better the experience for the kiddos, as they play in the cove and across the natural volcanic landscape.